Parents Who Rock - Artists

The Early Bird Special

2008-09-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Mo Kelly and Tim Kennedy, two Montclair Dads, crossed musical paths several years ago while sitting around the campfire at Frost Valley. From the embers of that late night campfire jam, something emerged although to this day, local Catskill authorities are still not exactly sure as to what it was.

Mo and Tim have had the pleasure of contributing their acoustic cover alt/country brand of music to several PWR events. When not playing with PWR, they can usually be found performing at local venues such as Tierney's Tavern and Tim’s Living Room.

Mo studied guitar with the late great Dave Van Ronk, and has performed
with bands in numerous NYC venues, including The Lone Star Roadhouse, The
Cutting Room, The Knitting Factory, and the Red Lion. Kennedy cut his teeth in the early '70s playing the local Jersey club circuit and countless jams during his college days on the student center lawn.

Mama Doni

2008-09-11T21:20:00.001-07:00

Mama Doni, aka, Doni Zasloff Thomas, is a Montclair Mom, preschool music teacher, songwriter, and the lead singer in The Mama Doni Band, a quirky and energetic family-friendly band dedicated to making Jewish culture fresh and fun for people of all ages. The music is for everyone from “babies to bubbies,” they like to say. Mama Doni loves to share her passion for Jewish culture through a wild mix of original music including everything from reggae to rock, klezmer to “Jewgrass."

The band received the Simcha Award for "Inspiring Joy Through Music" at the International Jewish Music Festival Competition in Amsterdam, Holland, and Mama Doni just released her debut album called I Love Herring (and Other Fish Shticks For Kids). The band is doing concerts all over the country for JCCs, preschools, synagogues and festivals. Go to www.MamaDoni.com to hear some samples. The band includes Doni; Adam Nelson, guitar/album producer; Alexander Tyshkov, bass; and Ken Walz, drums.

Eugene Chrysler

2008-09-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Eugene Chrysler aka Dan Karlok is a long time resident of Montclair. He and two other dads here in Montclair (Jeff Somerstein on drums and Mike Potenza on guitar) decided to put together a band for Parents Who Rock. Their music takes its influence from blues, country, western swing, boogie, and rockabilly.

Eugene has been playing in bands for the last 25 years and has had the honor to play with and open for Billy Lee Riley, Wanda Jackson, and Robert Gordon. The band's second CD Hillbilly Shakespeare was recorded in Austin, Texas, and features members from the group Asleep At The Wheel. Some of these songs have also been featured on the tv show "Law and Order."

Rew*

2008-09-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Rew* plays music for kidz of all ages. She has graced the stage with many of her inspirations including Regina Spektor, Joey Ramone, Patti Smith, David Johanson, Murphy's Law, BETTY, the Spin Doctors and more. Her latest release, that*s*rite, has been receiving rave reviews and songs are in rotation on Sirius Radio and lots of college radio stations. Her song, "u suck" is featured in the television series, "Bad Girls Club" on the Oxygen Network; her song, "u persued me," recently won a songwriting contest. Rew* is a core organizer and performer for the Girls Rock Girls Rule Tour and Mamapalooza. Rew* performs regularly in her hometown of NYC, tours the United States and has also performed at world-renowned festivals like SXSW, CMJ, and Jazzfest. "This is what you moved to NYC for..." (Village Voice)

Miguel Rodriguez

2008-05-07T19:57:00.001-07:00

As part of one of New Jersey's finest live jam/rock bands, Baked Fresh Daily, drummer/vocalist/audio engineer Miguel continues to keep busy with many other musical projects including PWR. He lives in West Orange with his wife Stephanie and three kids, his Main Project.

The Bloomingfields

2008-02-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

Headquartered in the Bloomfield Avenue basement studio of Janet Donofrio and David Rieth, the Bloomingfields sing songs about marriage, commuting, and Velcro® upon a wall of rock built by Brendan Mee (bass), John Packel (drums), and Andy Day (guitar).

The Bloomingfields are currently touring the world, albeit slowly.

Their influences include The Modern Lovers, Grandaddy, The Taking Heads, The Lilacs, Nick Lowe, The New York Dolls, The Moldy Peaches, and Henrik Ibsen.

Avril Fagan

2008-02-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

Avril Fagan is a Montclair Mom and third grade teacher. Born in Jamaica, West Indies and raised in Queens, NY, Avril's first singing experiences occurred in the junior choir at Bethany Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens. Since then she has sung in high school performances, a host of recitals, talent shows and weddings.

These days, Avril takes pleasure in using her voice and love of music to inspire her son Liam, as well as her students, to take chances by performing on stage. She is inspired by all types of music and performs whenever and wherever she can. Avril is very proud to be a parent who rocks!

Rachael and Mark Egan

2008-02-06T11:58:00.001-08:00

Rachael and Mark Egan are parents to Arabella.

Rachael is a writer and Stay at Home Mom, and Mark is the New York Bureau Chief for Reuters News Agency.

Shelflife

2008-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

Shelflife consists of three old schoolmates from Nutley, NJ- Lonnie Lafoon on drums, percussion, and background vocals- Eric Lordi on bass, keyboards and vocals- and Mark Roselli on electric and acoustic guitars and vocals.

They are currently in the studio working on their second full release of original material in the vein of The Police, REM and Toad the Wet Sprocket- expected release date Summer 2008. Their 12-song debut "Splice the Mainbrace" spawned a few songs that made their way onto internet radio playlists, a cd compilation by 91.9 FM WNTI featuring the first volume of NJ best unsigned bands, and even a few iPods.

For latest news, upcoming performances, free previews & downloads, photos and more, go to: www.myspace.com/shelflifetheband

Bob Cannon

2008-02-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Montclair resident BOB CANNON has approached the music business from enough angles to fill a geometry quiz.

An editor and music journalist by day for publications like Entertainment Weekly and Performing Songwriter, he has also enjoyed a long career throughout the Northeast as a performer, songwriter, producer, and arranger.

His songs have earned awards from the American Song Festival and graced the country charts, but living the past eight years in New Jersey has long since erased his Southern accent.

Christine Kelly

2008-02-06T08:47:00.001-08:00

Christine Kelly is a single mom, professor and leisure-rocker with the Montclair based band Angels Garage.

A life-long New Jerseyan, Kelly emerged from the New Brunswick music scene in the early 1990 as a rising singer-songwriter, winning East Cost Rocker's "Best Songwriter" and "Best Female Artist" in consecutive years.

Having opened up for acts like Ani DeFranco, Richie Havens, Roger McGuinn, and Warren Zevon, she now takes great pleasure in playing local pubs and cafes.

Alma Schneider

2008-02-04T11:30:00.001-08:00

Alma Schneider grew up in New York City, listening to her parents eclectic record collection, harmonizing with her six siblings, and attending the High School of Music and Art. At the University of Wisconsin, and after college, she played music often, both socially and in local venues. After graduate school in Social Work, marriage, four kids and a move to the suburbs, however, she struggled to find the time to indulge her passion for music. In 2005 Alma combined her love of music and background in community organizing to found Parents Who Rock, an organization dedicated to helping parents re-connect with their musical past through organized performances for charity.

Alma is also Founder and CEO of Take Back the Kitchen, LLC (www.takebackthekitchen.blogspot.com), where she combines her background in counseling with her other passion, cooking, to help women overcome the common and individual obstacles to achieving their goals in the kitchen.

Dea Viola

2008-02-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, Dea Viola is a professionally trained singer, dancer and choreographer with a background in musical theater, ballroom dancing, ballet, jazz and modern techniques.

This mother of 4, is the female vocalist for the local rock n’ roll cover band CRANETOWN.

Ruby on the Vine

2008-02-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Ruby on the Vine is a Montclair, New Jersey based underground fold - rock band featuring Myrna Marcarian (vocals, guitar,keyboards) Geoff Feinberg (guitar), Matt Klss (bass), John Ehlis (mandolin), Dave Cushing (drums). Formed in the late 1990s, ROTV is led by Ms. Marcarian, who from 1977 to 1986, was co-leader of the critically-acclaimed new wave band, Human Switchboard from Cleveland, Ohio. Writing in the New York Times back in 1980, Robert Palmer called Human Switcboard the "best underground white band in America today," After the demise of Human Switchboard, Ms. Marcarian released a solo EP (Human Touch) in 1989, and then retired from the music scene to raise a family.

The retirement didn't last forever. ROTV has been gigging in the New York area now for nearly 10 years , and in 2003 released their debut album, This World of Days, to rave reviews. Containing 10 new original songs, the album features an impressive roster of friends and musicians, including her longtime collaborator and co-songwriter, Geoff Feinberg. Doug Hall (keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, production), Bernie Worrell of Parliament Funkadelic (keyboards), Tony Maimone, Pere Ubu (bass) Mark Spencer who has played with Laura Cantrell, Uncle Tupelo and the Blood Oranges, (guitar), Frank Villardi from Feedie Johnson, Suzanne Vega and the Bacon Brosthers (drums), Andy Mckee (bass), Ron Metz (drums, George Usher (keyboards),

"This World of Days is a remarkable comeback . . . Marcarian hasn't missed a beat despite a 14 - year layoff. Purring and wailing like the mature Patti Smith, Marcarian's voice sounds terrific, from slinky sex-kitten torch songs to passionate ballads to drving, garagy rock . . . Here's hoping 2004 sees Ruby on the Vine bring some of that old Human Switchboard magic back to a NYC club scene that's starving for a band with this much substance and passion." Jim Testa, Jerseybeat Magazine

"Intriguing . . . We already knew she could walk alone, and now she's sounding real sharp again," Richard Riegel, Village Voice

"An impressive offering, Ruby on the Vine features Myrna's distinctive vocals at the helm with traces of Marianne Faithful, Patti Smith and Maria McKee . . . The album is loaded with catchy tracks . . from Americana roots to 50s girl- group to 80s New Wave. Give this very original work a listen." Michelle Picardo, Freetime Magazine, Rochester, NY.

Ruby on the Vine is working on a second album.

JOHN “YANNI” FOTIADIS

2008-02-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

An Architect by day, and multi-instrumentalist / singer-songwriter by night, John Fotiadis (‘Yanni’ to his friends) has written and recorded pop music for film, theater and TV. He is presently working on a new album / project called “Empty City Squares”

John’s original music fuses Britpop and Rock. An accomplished musician (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals), John performs frequently in Manhattan and Northern New Jersey. He often plays music with his 11-year-old daughter Kassandra, a budding pianist and singer.

For more info go to www.soundclick.com/johnfotiadis

Ed Daingerfield

2008-02-04T10:41:00.001-08:00

Ed has played in several rock, blues and jazz groups during the last century. For the past few years, he has backed up many notable singers in the PWR community, raising money for charity and having a blast. Ed lives in Montclair with his wife Linda, daughters Emily, Liz and Caitlin, and two rambunctious hound dogs.

Favorite album: Miles Davis' 'Kind of Blue' (of course)

Currently listening to: Jim Hall, Buddy Guy, and anything Eric Clapton ever put out.

Maureen Fichten

2008-02-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Maureen Fichten is a singer/songwriter and mom of two.

Originally from Massachusetts she spent her early years performing in New York City and across the US.

She is very happy to be a part of Parents Who Rock.

Rabbi E. Noach Shapiro

2008-02-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Rabbi E. Noach Shapiro has been the rabbi of Shomrei Emunah since August 1, 2004.

Rabbi Shapiro's vision of the role of a congregational rabbi is "to lead a community in transforming a synagogue from a 'Beit Hak'nesset', a place where people gather, to a 'Kehilla Kedosha', a sacred community defined by mitzvot, compassion, commitment, Torah, music and celebration."

A little known fact about Rabbi Shapiro is that 'back in the day' he lived briefly in Northern Thailand and made a living playing music in pubs every night.

John Paul Uva

2008-02-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

John Paul Uva grew up in Hoboken, started playing guitar when he was 8 and played in rock and roll bands in and around NYC for many years. He lives in Montclair with his wife Elizabeth and children Christian and Emma, and works in technology management.

All-time favorites include Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, and REM, but nowadays he listens to a lot of alt-country bands -- Old 97s, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Jayhawks.

Jack Rigg

2008-02-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Professional Musician, Producer, Songwriter, Composer. 1971-1995.

Performed and recorded as a guitarist; toured internationally and performed in clubs, concert halls and arenas with many bands; played on many recordings, wrote songs and composed music for modern dance companies and off-Broadway shows; produced records; written up in Rolling Stone, People, New York Times, New York Post, Village Voice, Cream; earned Gold Record. Bands that I have toured and recorded with include Blue Oyster Cult and David Johanson. Favorite bands include Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Black Crowes. Currently listening to Richard Thompson, Jeff Buckley.

George Greenfield

2008-01-31T15:42:00.001-08:00

George Greenfield’s music probes LIFE — “You got to slow down, take a look around, life’s not as bad as it seems. So I reach in my soul for a prayer I can hold, and hope I wake up from this dream... LOVE — “The light of the dark shows the way from our fear to our heart where our love is still yearning. The light of the dark shows the way to the place where the fire of our love is still burning...” LOSS — “Good-bye so long, so hard to say, when heartache’s just a word away...” and, SELF — “Painting life I’m colorblind. Loving red’s a state of mind. Walking I can’t feel my feet. Somehow I make it down the street.” His songs speak of the search for basic honesty in personal relationships, the evolution of self, intimacy and life’s journey.

George first began playing guitar at the age of 13 and began
writing songs while at the University of Buffalo. At the university, he
also founded and managed a successful coffeehouse supporting up-and-coming
singer-songwriters including Don McLean and Bruce Cockburn. After
graduating with a degree in Arts Management, George moved into concert
promotion featuring such artists as Elton John, Eric Clapton, and James
Taylor. He subsequently was Assistant Director of New York’s Town Hall,
Orchestra Manager of the Baltimore Symphony, Director of New Line
Presentations (the former lecture and literary division of New Line Cinema). In 2003, after many years as president of Lecture Literary Management, Inc., he founded and is president of CreativeWell, Inc. - the Montclair based lecture and literary agency (www.creativewell.com).

Living parallel lives, he continued writing and pursuing his music while building a company that is consistent with his ideals with a dedication to issues of social justice, the environment and political awareness. With the forthcoming release of his debut CD “Light of the Dark,” George’s commitment to share his music with a wider audience enters a new phase of dominance in his life.

He lives with his wife and five year old son in Montclair where he has performed with Parents Who Rock. He listens to a wide range of music (like the rest of us) with favorites including: Batacato, Annie Lenox and Mika (all among his 5 year old’s favorites), assorted Bach, Telemann & Mozart, Chet Baker in Paris and Cesaria Evora. Most influential band: The Beatles.

Angels Garage

2008-01-31T15:40:00.001-08:00

With respect for rock’s past and a view to its future, Angels Garage churns out a snappy set of covers and originals that make you want to shake the floorboards.

Since 2004 the band has entertained at Montclair fundraisers, parties and beerhalls.

Featuring Christine Kelly, vocals; Fabio Giron, guitar; John Whipple, trumpet; Angel Kenney, percussion; John Poglinco, bass; and Dave Cushing, drums.

Felt

2008-01-31T15:38:00.001-08:00

Started in 2005 after (Alma convinced Richard to dust off his guitar for her first “parents who rock” show)- eventually and he joined Tarquin and Jim- who picked the name.

Felt began like any other “Dad Band” But there must have been some magic in that old drum set they found, cause pretty soon they found their groove.

http://www.myspace.com/feltband

From left : Ian Smit (guitar, seated), Richard Eigen (second fiddle), Tarquin Learned (guitar and vocals) Matt Hauser (drums), Jim Robertson (bass), Steve Feldman (percussion)

Megan Lewis

2008-01-31T14:03:00.001-08:00

Megan Lewis is a mother of two girls, Sarah and Elana, and a lawyer as well.

I'm Not the Only One Asking is her debut recording.

Big Mamou

2008-01-31T13:41:00.001-08:00

Big Mamou plays an original mix of traditional based Cajun and Country music, from infectious two steps to drunken waltzes to soulful ballads to rocking Zydeco.

John Sherman has fronted former New York bands Jole Blonde and The Zephyrs, and toured with Richard Thompson.

Jim and Julianne have had their songs used in both film and TV - Julianne has toured with Walter Egan and performed with Travis Tritt.

Billy Loos played drums with the Hydraulic Mosquitos, Sex Pod, and Bay of Pigs, and is currently also performing with Her Vanished Grace.

Larry Buksbaum played lead guitar with Killer Fish, and produced both The Smithereens and Kid Creole and the Cocoanuts.

John Sherman, accordion, vocals
Julianne Fenhagen, vocals
Jim Fenhagen, bass, vocals
Billy Loos, drums
Larry Buksbaum, guitar